International Talk Like a Pirate Day in New York

Q: How did the pirate get his Jolly Roger so cheaply?
A: He bought it on sail

Admittedly, I forgot one of my favorite holidays, and I feel like a bilge-sucking buccaneer. Oh yes, it's International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

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It's Not Funny Until Someone Gets Hurt

The parodic holiday was born in Albany, Oregon in 1995 out of an injury on a racquetball court. John Baur and Mark Summers were playing the game when one of them was injured and cried out with a hearty "Aaarrr!", and the idea for the day was hatched. The game in question was played on June 6th of 1995, but to keep it away from the remembrance of the Normandy Landings, it was established on an easily remembered date: Summers' ex-wife's birthday, September 19th.

How DO You Talk Like a Pirate?

Avast ye shark bait, get ship shape, it's easy! Strap on the eye patch, walk with a swagger, and get your voice down low and guttural and let 'er rip! If you need a hook (see what I did there), here's a guide to all things pirate lingo! The best part of the day is going to work or school or checking in on a friend with full pirate speak. Yo Ho Ho!

Bring a Spring Upon ‘er

Over the years, the spirit of this jolly holiday has spread across the world. Facebook got into the action in 2009 with a pirate version of the website. You'll find Easter Eggs and all kinds of fun across various websites and platforms. The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has recognized it as an official holiday as they "believe that Pirates were the original Pastafarians and that they were peaceful explorers".